Donald Cerrone: Fighters don't get paid enough? Just sign on the dotted line

While it seems fighter pay is always a hot topic in the world of MMA, at least one UFC lightweight just doesn’t understand the concern.

“I hear guys talking about they don’t get paid enough,” Donald Cerrone told MMAjunkie. “If you want to just sign on the dotted line, I’ll be your huckleberry. I’m ready to go.”

Cerrone (23-6 MMA, 10-3 UFC) fought most recently at this past weekend’s UFC on FOX 11 event, where he met Brazilian striker Edson Barboza in a heavily-anticipated matchup between two dynamic standup artists. It was Barboza who actually looked incredibly relaxed in the early going, and his speed appeared as if it was going to provide him a clear path to victory.

But suddenly, Cerrone landed a stiff jab that sent Barboza to the canvas. “Cowboy” seized the opportunity, moving quickly to his opponent’s back and locking in a rear-naked choke that forced Barboza to tap at the 3:15 mark of the first frame.

Cerrone said he didn’t remember exactly what was going through his mind as he struggled through the early stages of the contest, but he knew exactly what he was thinking when things changed.

“Two golden words – f–k it – came in,” Cerrone said. “I had to turn it on, so it was good.”

Now, Cerrone says he’s hoping to get at least six UFC fights this year, and UFC President Dana White doesn’t seem to have any problem helping make that happen.

“If this kid could fight 16 times a year, I’d love to have him on every card,” White said. “He’s a show starter. You’re guaranteed Cerrone’s going to get the show started.”

With a three-fight winning streak to his name, Cerrone can certainly stake a claim to fighting anybody in the UFC’s lightweight division. A June UFC event in Cerrone’s adopted home state of New Mexico would seem to make sense, but “Cowboy” said he doesn’t care when or where. He just wants to fight.

“Any fight,” Cerrone said. “I’m ready for Baltimore next weekend if that’s possible. Really, just as many fights as I can.”